MHA Smoking Policy

In compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the Middlesex Hospital Alliance will be a completely smoke-free facility as of July 11th, 2016. This applies to all buildings, grounds, parking lots, and includes smoking in cars. Until July 11th, MHA’s Designated Smoking Areas can continue to be used.

Middlesex Hospital Alliance has the responsibility to establish regulations to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Our smoke-free policy is not asking anyone to quit; it asks people to respect our decision to be smoke-free and to refrain from smoking on hospital property.

Where can patients, staff, and visitors smoke?

Those wishing to smoke must move off of hospital property.

For people at SMGH, they will be off hospital property if they are between the tree line and Carrie Street. Smoking at the fountain is not permitted.

For people at FCHS, they will be off property between the Hydro poles and the road.

Can I smoke in my vehicle in the parking areas?

No. Tobacco use is prohibited in parking areas, both inside and outside of vehicles.

Can I be fined for smoking?

Yes. The Middlesex-London Health Unit Tobacco Enforcement Officers are designated to enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and issue fines for smoking in workplaces and public places, including hospital property. If you are caught smoking on hospital grounds, you may be charged and subject to pay a fine.

As an in-patient who smokes, can Middlesex Hospital Alliance help reduce my cravings for a cigarette during my stay?

Yes. To help make in-patients more comfortable during their time in the Hospital, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be provided free of charge. NRT comes in many forms, including the patch, gum, and lozenges. If a patient declines NRT and wishes to smoke, they will have to leave Hospital property to do so. As with any patient leaving the nursing unit during their stay, those who do so to smoke will have to inform their nurse.

As an outpatient, am I eligible for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

No. Middlesex Hospital Alliance can only offer Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to patients while they are admitted to a Hospital bed.

As an emergency department patient, am I eligible for free Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

Yes. To help make Emergency Department patients more comfortable during their time in the Hospital, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be provided free of charge. NRT comes in many forms, including the patch, gum, and lozenges. If a patient declines NRT and wishes to smoke, they will have to leave Hospital property to do so.

Is information available for me to learn more about smoking cessation?

More information on the Smoke Free Ontario Act can be obtained by visiting the Ontario’s government’s website